Mobile hunting stand

ABSTRACT

A mobile hunting stand is provided that is suitable for use by both able and disabled persons. The present invention comprises a towed mobile base having a plurality of stabilizing leg members for use during set-up of the hunting stand. Located on the base is the actuation equipment, a hydraulic cylinder, pump and battery, for a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is connected to a platform which may be raised above the mobile base for use in hunting, bird watching or otherwise as an observation post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to hunting equipment. In particular,the present invention relates to an apparatus for the temporarypositioning of a site from which to hunt. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a mobile hunting stand suitable for use ingenerally clear or heavily wooded areas. Most particularly, the presentinvention relates to a mobile hunting stand capable of raising a user alimited distance above the ground while eliminating the need forclimbing and simultaneously reducing the threat of falling.

Wild game hunters in North America, particularly those hunting deer andturkey have found that stationary hunting techniques are often the mosteffective. As a result, numerous apparatus have been developed to aid incamouflaging both the hunter and his/her position while awaiting thepassage of their quarry. Among the most common of these is the treestand. Tree stands provide a user a raised location from which toobserve a wide area. Unfortunately, however, tree stands are inherentlydangerous to use as they require the user to scale a large tree whileeither tethered to their equipment on the ground (and then to pull it upusing ropes) or to scale the tree while hauling all of the equipmentwith them. Numerous injuries occur each year from hunters falling duringascent or descent from hunting stands and still others are injured fromfalls out of the tree stands which limit the safety gear associatedtherewith to reduce the weight of the stand itself. Still further, manyhunters are injured each year from gunshot wounds due to dropped riflesand other accidents related directly to the use of tree stands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention recognizes and addresses various of the foregoinglimitations and drawbacks, and others, concerning present hunting standsand the dangers associated therewith. Therefore, the present inventionis primarily directed to the provision of a mobile hunting standsuitable for use in generally clear or heavily wooded areas and ongenerally level or uneven terrain. Additionally, the present inventionis directed to such a hunting stand that may be used by both able anddisabled persons.

It is, therefore, a principle object of the subject invention to providea mobile hunting stand. More particularly, it is an object of thepresent invention to provide such a hunting stand suitable for use byboth able and disabled persons. In such context, it is still a moreparticular object of the present invention to provide a mobile huntingstand capable of eliminating the need for climbing stairs, a ladder, ora tree to reach a raised platform. Still further, in such context, it isan object of the present invention to provide a mobile hunting standcapable of being disengaged and reestablished in another location withinminutes and with a minimum of additional equipment.

Still further, it is a principle object of this invention to provide amobile hunting stand capable of being hydraulically raised. It is afurther object of the present invention to provide such a hunting standcomprising a platform that may be raised from a generally storedposition to an extended position at least twelve feet above the ground.In such context, it is an object of the present invention to provide ahydraulically raised hunting stand utilizing a scissors-liftconfiguration for raising such stand.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mobilehunting stand suitable for conversion to a mobile hunting blind throughthe attachment of various pieces of material to cover correspondingpieces of the hunting stand. In such context, it is the primary objectof the present invention to provide a mobile hunting stand comprising aninterlocking frame for supporting the various material pieces thatcamouflage the stand.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobilehunting stand suitable for being towed by another vehicle, including anATV or other three- or four-wheeled motorcycle. In such context, it isan object of the present invention to provide leg extensions forproviding stability to such hunting stand when disconnected from such atowing vehicle.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth in, orwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from, thedetailed description as follows. Also, it should be further appreciatedthat modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated anddiscussed features and materials hereof may be practiced in variousembodiments and uses of this invention without departing from the spiritand scope thereof, by virtue of present reference thereto. Suchvariations may include, but are not limited to, substitutions of theequivalent means, features, and materials for those shown or discussed,and the functional or positional reversal of various parts, features, orthe like.

Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, aswell as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention,may include various combinations or configurations of presentlydisclosed features, elements, or their equivalents (includingcombinations of features or configurations thereof not expressly shownin the figures or stated in the detailed description).

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescriptions and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustratean embodiment of the invention and, together with the descriptions,serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, there may be provided a mobile huntingstand for use by both able and disabled persons. Such stand may becomprised of a scissor-lift type mechanism mounted on a towed basehaving a plurality of four-wheeled axles and a plurality of extendableleg members for providing static stability to such base when notconnected to a towing vehicle. Such base may also house the necessaryequipment for operation of such scissor-lift type platform, including,but not limited to, a scissor-lift, a hydraulic cylinder, a liftmechanism for operation of both the scissor-lift and the hydrauliccylinder, a battery, and alternatively a solar panel for recharging suchbattery.

The stand may further comprise a single flat-bottomed platform that maybe comprised of wood planking, metal or a grate system. Preferably, suchflooring should be non-slip or be provided with a covering having asufficient friction of coefficient to reduce slippage of a user's feetduring foul weather conditions. Additionally, such platform may beprovided with a safety railing at least three feet in height. A gate inthe safety railing may be provided at the rear of the platform, whichmay also be formed of a hinged ramp for use by those users requiringhandicapped access to the platform. The platform may be of any sizesufficient to accommodate standard manual or motorized wheelchairs butits width is limited by the nature of its intended use and the need tobe able to operate in heavily wooded areas.

In operation, the mobile hunting stand would be towed to a desired siteand the plurality of extendable leg members would be lowered tosufficiently balance and support the base. It would then be removed fromthe towing vehicle. Depending on the intended usage, the stand may beoutfitted with its camouflage panels, including a covering, from theground, thus enhancing safety. The user or users may then climb onto theplatform and utilizing the hydraulic actuators activate the scissor-liftmechanism to raise the platform to a desired height. From this raisedposition, the users may then hunt in relative safety and comfort. Thehunting stand may alternatively be used as a hunting blind whileretained in the lowered or a semi-raised position. While raised, thehunting stand may additionally be tethered to a nearby tree to aid inincreasing the safety of the raised stand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of one exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention in a stowed position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 showing thepresent invention in a fully raised position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 showing thepresent invention in a stored position with the ramp extended; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the hunting platformof the present invention including waterproof camouflage cloth coveringsfor conversion of the present invention to a hunting/observation blind.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specificationand appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogousfeatures or elements of the various exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention described and shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodimentsof the invention, examples of which are fully represented in theaccompanying drawings. Such examples are provided by way of anexplanation of the invention, not limitation thereof. In fact, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications andvariations can be made in the present invention, without departing fromthe spirit and scope thereof. For instance, features illustrated ordescribed as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment toyield a still further embodiment. Still further, variations in selectionof materials and/or characteristics may be practiced, to satisfyparticular desired user criteria. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention cover such modifications and variations as come within thescope of the present features and their equivalents.

As disclosed above, the present invention is particularly concerned witha mobile hunting stand 10 comprising a mobile base 12, a lift mechanism14 and a hunting platform 16. The mobile base 12 is designed to be towedby a plurality of vehicle types (but primarily all-terrain vehicles orATVs are envisioned) to its location of intended use. The base 12 isprovided with at least two two-wheeled axels 18 sufficient to supportthe base 12 and associated equipment 14, 16 and 19 during thetransportation of the stand 10.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile hunting stand 10 of thepresent invention is transported as a permanent fixture on a mobile baseunit 12. The mobile base 12 is both wider and longer than the huntingplatform 16. In the presently preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, while stored, the hunting platform 16 is generally centeredon the mobile base 12 and is located such that its rearward endcorresponds to the rearward end of the mobile platform 12. Such anarrangement allows for a space within the mobile platform 12 forward ofthe stowed hunting platform 16 for the inclusion of an electrical system19 for operation of the hydraulic motors that serve to raise and lowerthe hunting platform 16.

Further, the mobile base 12 maintains the hunting platform 16 in asomewhat elevated relationship so as to maintain a storage compartment20 underneath such stowed hunting platform 16 for receipt of the liftmechanism 14. The mobile base 12 is provided with a standardized towingball/mount 22 for connection of the mobile base 12 to a towing vehicle(not shown). In order to provide stability to the mobile base 12 duringuse of the lift mechanism 14 and hunting platform 16, a plurality ofextendable legs 24 is provided. One of each of such extendable legs islocated at each corner of the mobile base 12. Such plurality ofextendable legs 24 are lowered during setup of the hunting stand 10 andmay be secured using spikes or other methods to further anchor themobile base 12 in place.

The electrical system 19 used to operate the hydraulic motorsresponsible for raising and lowering the hunting platform 16 iscomprised of a rechargeable battery 26 which may alternatively becharged by the towing vehicle's battery or through the use of anavailable solar panel 28 mounted directly on top of the battery 26within the mobile base 12. The battery 26 provides power to thehydraulic motors which drive the hydraulic pistons of the lift mechanism14.

The lift mechanism 14, preferably a scissor-lift mechanism, comprises aseries of inter-related crossed structural members 30 rotatably affixedto the nearest other member 30 substantially at their ends so as toallow them to is act upon each other with a compressive force such thatthe members 30 are rotated from the horizontal toward the vertical. Theseries of inter-related members 30 have a first end secured to themobile base 12 and a second end secured to the underside of the huntingplatform 16. Hydraulic cylinders and pistons 32 connected nearer theinter-related member's 30 first end serve to initiate the compressiveforce acting on the lift mechanism 14 to raise the hunting platform 16to a desired height above the ground for use during hunting/observation.The hydraulic portion of the lift mechanism 14 is sized so as to allowfor the provision of at least two generally normal sized adult males tobe located on said hunting platform 16 and still retain the capabilityto lift the hunting platform 16 to its maximum height of at least twelvefeet.

The hunting platform 16 may be formed using any known structuralmaterial of sufficient strength and design to support its occupants. Onepreferred embodiment of the present invention includes the use of angleiron to form a basic structural outline of the platform 16 and thefurther use of wooden or metal planking or a grate system for theflooring of the platform 16. It is preferred but not required that anon-slip coating or surface treatment be included on the flooringmaterial to enhance the safety of the stand 10 for its users. Further,the platform 16 is provided with a safety railing 34 to further enhancethe safety of the occupants of the platform 16, particularly while in araised position.

The hunting platform 16 is further provided with a series of footoperated pedals 36 connected to the hydraulic motors for operativecontrol of the stand 10 while within the platform 16. In the unlikelyevent that such controls fail, the platform 16 may be outfitted with anemergency rope ladder 38 for use by the occupants of a raised platform16 for egress. Further, should the hydraulics portion of the liftmechanism 14 fail, the inter-related crossed structural members 30 wouldslowly lower the raised hunting platform 16 due to their inability tomaintain such platform 16 in its raised position. Finally, to preventthe undesirable static destabilization of the present invention 10 whilethe hunting platform 16 is raised, the platform 16 maybe provided with apair of straps 40 for securement about a near-by tree. The straps 40 maybe designed so as to be functionally individual units for securementabout separate trees or to cooperate with each other for securement ofthe raised platform 16 to an individual tree. Such built-in safetyenhancements further serve to protect the users during operation of thepresent invention 10.

As it is a desired criteria of the present invention to be useful tothose who are disabled, as best seen in FIG. 3, the rear portion of thesafety railing 34 may be provided with a hinge and a lock mechanism soas to allow for its use as a ramp 42 for ingress and egress to thestowed platform 16. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the ramp 42 is of sufficient length that it may be lowered foradmittance of wheelchair-bound or other disabled users while the huntingplatform 16 is in its stowed position within the mobile base 12. Theramp 42 would be hinged along its bottom to the base of the huntingplatform 16.

Finally, the present invention is additionally envisioned as a blind forboth hunting and/or observation of wildlife. To aid in achieving suchactivity, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thestructural framework of the hunting platform 16 is provided with aplurality of connecting members 44 for the addition of a series ofcamouflage panels 46 designed to aid in reducing the visibility of thestand 10. The connecting members 44 may be, by way of example and notlimitation, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastener, such as VECRO™, orhooks and grommets, or any other known methodology for attaching afacing to a structure. Additionally, the inclusion of a lightweightframework 48 (as used in erecting a tent) may be provided to furtherraise the camouflage covering 46 above the top of the safety railing ofthe raised platform 16 and/or to provide a cover over such platform 16.Still further, the camouflage panels 46 may be sufficient to cover thelower portion of the stand 10 while the hunting platform 16 is in itsraised position. Finally, the camouflage panels 46 may be made of anyknown material, but in a preferred embodiment of the present invention,such panels 46 are constructed of either a heavyweight canvas-likematerial or an extremely lightweight fabric similar to that used in theconstruction of commercially available tents. In either event, it ispreferred that the material used is waterproof.

Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed using specific terms and devices, such description is forillustrative purposes only. The words used are words of descriptionrather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes andvariations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit or the scope of the present invention, whichis set forth in the following claims. In addition, it should beunderstood that aspects of various other embodiments may be interchangedboth in whole or in part. Therefore, the spirit and scope of theappended claims should not be limited to the description of thepreferred version contained herein.

1. A hunting stand comprising: a mobile base, said mobile base having aplurality of two-wheeled axles and a plurality of stabilizing legmembers; a hydraulically actuated lift mechanism having a first end anda second end, said first end mounted to said base; and a platformattached to said second end of said hydraulically actuated liftmechanism.
 2. A hunting stand as in claim 1, wherein said liftmechanism, its associated hydraulic actuation system, and said platformare housed within said mobile base when said platform is in its stowedposition.
 3. A hunting stand as in claim 2, wherein said hydraulicactuation system comprises: a hydraulic cylinder having a first end anda second end, wherein said first end is affixed to said mobile base andsaid second end is affixed to said lift mechanism; a hydraulic pumpsuitable for extending and retracting said hydraulic cylinder; and abattery suited for providing power to operate said pump.
 4. A huntingstand as in claim 3, wherein said battery has a solar panel rechargingsystem.
 5. A hunting stand as in claim 2, wherein said lift mechanismcomprises a plurality of inter-related crossed structural membersrotatably affixed to the nearest other member substantially at theirends so as to allow them to is act upon each other with a compressiveforce such that said members are rotated from the horizontal toward thevertical.
 6. A hunting stand as in claim 5, wherein said lift mechanismcan raise said platform at least twelve feet above said mobile base. 7.A hunting stand as in claim 1, wherein said mobile base is suitable fortowing behind a vehicle.
 8. A hunting stand as in claim 1, wherein saidplatform is provided with a safety railing about its periphery andwherein at least one portion of said safety railing serves as a rampwhen said platform is in its stowed position to allow for access to saidplatform by disabled persons.
 9. A hunting stand as in claim 8, whereinthe width of said platform and said ramp is sufficient to allow accessby standard sized manually-operated and motorized wheelchairs.
 10. Ahunting stand as in claim 1, wherein said stand is provided with aplurality of manually adjustable straps for securing said stand to anearby tree for additional stabilization.
 11. A hunting stand as inclaim 10, wherein said platform is provided with foot operated controlsto raise and lower said platform.
 12. A hunting stand as in claim 11,wherein said platform is provided with a safety ladder.
 13. A huntingstand comprising: a mobile base, said mobile base having a plurality oftwo-wheeled axles and a plurality of stabilizing leg members; a liftmechanism having a first end and a second end, said first end mounted tosaid mobile base; a hydraulic actuation system comprising at least onehydraulic cylinder having a piston end and a cylinder end, wherein saidcylinder end is affixed to said mobile base and said piston end isaffixed to said lift mechanism, a hydraulic pump suitable for extendingand retracting said hydraulic cylinder, and a battery suited forproviding power to operate said pump; and a platform attached to saidsecond end of said lift mechanism.
 14. A hunting stand as in claim 13,wherein said lift mechanism, its associated hydraulic actuation system,and said platform are housed within said mobile base when said platformis in its stowed position.
 15. A hunting stand as in claim 13, whereinsaid battery has a solar panel recharging system.
 16. A hunting stand asin claim 13, wherein said lift mechanism comprises a plurality ofinter-related crossed structural members rotatably affixed to thenearest other member substantially at their ends so as to allow them tois act upon each other with a compressive force such that said membersare rotated from the horizontal toward the vertical.
 17. A hunting standas in claim 16, wherein said lift mechanism can raise said platform atleast twelve feet above said mobile base.
 18. A hunting stand as inclaim 13, wherein said mobile base is suitable for towing behind avehicle.
 19. A hunting stand as in claim 18, wherein said platform isprovided with a safety railing about its periphery and wherein at leastone portion of said safety railing serves as a ramp when said platformis in its stowed position to allow for access to said platform bydisabled persons and standard sized manually-operated and motorizedwheelchairs.
 20. A hunting stand comprising: a mobile base, said mobilebase having a plurality of two-wheeled axles and a plurality ofstabilizing leg members; a lift mechanism comprising a plurality ofinter-related crossed structural members rotatably affixed to thenearest other member substantially at their ends so as to allow them tois act upon each other with a compressive force such that said membersare rotated from the horizontal toward the vertical, and wherein a firstof said structural members has a first end and a last of said membershas a second end, wherein said first end is mounted to said mobile base;a hydraulic actuation system comprising at least one hydraulic cylinderhaving a piston end and a cylinder end, wherein said cylinder end isaffixed to said mobile base and said piston end is affixed to said liftmechanism, a hydraulic pump suitable for extending and retracting saidhydraulic cylinder, and a battery suited for providing power to operatesaid pump; and a platform attached to said second end of said lastmember fo said lift mechanism.